Welcome

Dear Acorn Families and Friends,

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It is a joy to welcome you to The Acorn School, especially as we celebrate a remarkable milestone — nearly 60 years of nurturing New York City’s youngest learners.

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Since our founding in 1966, The Acorn School has been a place where small beginnings grow into something strong and enduring. As a native New Yorker who raised my own children in this city, I know firsthand how essential it is to find a school that feels both supportive and inspiring — a community where children are truly known, valued, and encouraged to thrive. That is the heart of Acorn.

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My own career in independent school education began in the early 1990s, teaching kindergarten at both The Chapin School and Saint David’s School. For the next 18 years, I served as a K–12 admissions director at Chapin and Friends Seminary, working closely with families to help students find their place in vibrant learning communities. In 2016, I was honored to return to my roots in early childhood education as Director of The Acorn School.

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Throughout these three decades, one truth has remained constant: young children flourish when they feel safe, seen, and celebrated. At Acorn, we provide that foundation through a play‑based, child‑centered approach that invites curiosity, fosters creativity, and encourages exploration. Our dedicated faculty — many of whom bring advanced training and years of experience in early childhood education — partner closely with families to guide each child’s growth across every dimension: academic, social, emotional, creative, and physical.

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Most importantly, we believe that childhood should be filled with joy. Our classrooms are vibrant spaces where children build friendships, discover their strengths, and fall in love with learning. This has been our mission for nearly six decades, and it continues to guide everything we do.

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Whether you are new to the Acorn community or a longtime friend, I look forward to welcoming you into this special place where children take root, grow, and discover the wonder of school.

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Warmly,

Nicole Donnelly
Director, The Acorn School